Local Portland artist Paul Missal, with the help of Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar, has created a one-of-a-kind musical instrument! The hand-carved viola featuring a painted image of Kalmar and his autograph is being auctioned off this week. All proceeds will benefit students of Portland Parks & Recreation’s Community Music Center (CMC).

Paul Missal is well known for his work in many official portrait commissions, including the official state portrait of Governor Bob Straub, four of the deans of Oregon Health & Science University, and Dr. Chenowith of the Devers Eye Clinic at Good Samaritan Hospital.

CMC serves families across the Portland area, and supports those with limited economic means by increasing access to music performances and educational opportunities. Benefit concerts such as this one support a need-based scholarship fund that enables students to follow their dreams in music.

For more information on the auction, including snapshots of this work of art, please visit the Community Music Center website.